Why are we Fundraising?

My beautiful wife Keira Macfarland passed away on the 18th March 2022 after a 17 month battle with Advanced Cancer. Whilst undergoing Chemotherapy to help control her symptoms and slow the progress of the disease Keira planned on ways to give something back to two causes that were very close to her heart.

The First Cause - Macmillan Cancer Care

Whilst Keira didn't want to be defined by her illness, she did want to acknowledge the absolutely fantastic care she received from NHS Tayside and the Cornhill Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Unit. Her overall care was managed by the wonderful Dr Ian Sanders. Whilst undergoing Chemotherapy Keira was looked after by Susan Thomson and her amazing team at Perth Royal Infirmary's Oncology Dept. Once Chemotherapy had stopped, Keira received end-of-life care at home from the kind-hearted Dawn Monie along with Katie & Robyn from the Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth. The equally lovely and caring Michele Pattullo from the Blairgowrie District Nursing team also visited and supported Keira daily. For the occasions over the last 17 months when Keira needed some extra help in hospital she was looked after by the excellent staff on Ward 32 at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. In order to acknowledge the amazing level of care she received at all stages of her Cancer journey Keira wanted to be able to give something back to Macmillan, and in so doing help others in the future. Keira's first chosen Charity is Macmillan Cancer Care.

What do Macmillan do?

Macmillan work in partnership with NHS Tayside and provide comprehensive palliative care and support to patients with Cancer and other life-limiting conditions. They provide a range of day care and inpatient services including symptom control, rehabilitation and end-of-life care, as well as offering support to families and carers. We personally had daily visits and phone consultations from Dawn, Robyn & Katie. They really did take care of Keira's every need ensuring she was always as comfortable as possible.

How can you help?

Please consider donating to this worthy cause in memory of Keira. No matter how small your donation we have seen first hand what a difference the funds will make to families going through their own experience with palliative treatment for advanced Cancer. Thank you for your generosity.

The Second Cause - Venture Trust

Whilst Keira's primary job involved flying as an Airbus A320 Captain for British Airways - a job she absolutely loved. Her other passion was nature and conservation. Keira was able to contribute to both of these areas in her spare time as a Volunteer Cairngorms National Park Ranger. Below is a blog Keira wrote in 2019 outlining a little about why she cared so deeply for the role and her beloved Cairngorms.

'So many people really do care"

Through her Volunteering activities Keira also had the opportunity to work with different groups of people who might not normally have had the access or opportunity to experience the outdoors. Keira is pictured here volunteering with one such group in January 2020. These groups are often supported by Volunteers from the National Park like Keira, and charitable Organisations like Venture Trust.

Having grown up in the countryside around the Scottish Borders Keira experienced first hand the wealth of life changing benefits easy access to Nature provided in those early years. Keira really wanted to do something to help other young people who might not normally have those opportunities or the exposure to such an environment readily available.

What do Venture Trust do?

The Charity that Keira has chosen which provides those vital opportunities and benefits to Young People is called 'Venture Trust' - based in Edinburgh. Below is a link to their website showing what fantastic work they do with young people and a host of other groups harnessing the power of the natural environment to help people fulfil their potential.

Inspiring Young Futures

How can you help?

Again on behalf of Keira I ask you to give generously. Anything you are able to donate will directly benefit the lives of young people through this fantastic Charity which works closely with the Cairngorms National Park and other outdoor organisations and training providers.

How will the funds be split?

All monies donated will be split equally between the two charities and presented to both. A Gift Aid declaration will be filled in at the point funds are handed over to ensure both Charities receive maximum benefit from your generosity.

All updates, photos and news about how the fundraising is progressing will be posted on this page, along with final amounts raised for each cause. Thank you in advance for anything you are able to donate to these two great causes!